More than 350 Drivers Ed students will be back behind the wheel with the help from NW Insurance Council and its members.

NW Insurance Council, Members give Sno-King driving students a lift

When Sno-King Driving School abruptly closed its doors in late May, it left more than 350 driving students stranded.  NW Insurance Council and its Members were there to pick them up and ensure their driver training remained on course. 

So far, 235 students have received the required in-class instruction and time behind the wheel, totaling 765 driving sessions.

The council created a fund from a NW Insurance Foundation grant and individual Member company contributions that totaled $23,750.  The money is helping families cover the cost of continuing in-vehicle driving lessons halted suddenly in late April after the driving school’s owner left town.
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AIG Direct and Austin Mutual Insurance Company recently joined NW Insurance Council.

New members strengthen NW Insurance Council

NW Insurance Council welcomes AIG Direct and Austin Mutual Insurance Company as its newest members.  The Board of Trustees ratified the companies’ membership at its 1st Quarter board meeting in April, raising the council’s number of members to 19.

“We are very pleased to have AIG and Austin Mutual as new members,” said Karl Newman, NW Insurance Council president.  “Providing ongoing value to our members helps grow our membership and increases our ability to influence public opinion and improve the business climate for our industry across the region.”

Austin Mutual writes both personal and commercial lines products in nine states.  AIG Direct specializes in personal lines insurance products.

Jeffrey Kusch, CEO for Austin Mutual, represents the Minneapolis-based insurer on the board.  Mark Sektnan, State Relations Officer, based in Sacramento, Calif, is AIG’s board representative.

The new arson poster for schools presents a grim reminder to young people that arson is destructive, even deadly.

Arson Alarm adding new approach, reaches out to kids 

Arson has plagued Washington communities for decades, destroying lives, damaging homes and businesses and needlessly putting firefighters’ lives at risk. 

While arson affects everyone, there is one group that is more vulnerable than any other – children – and NW Insurance Council and Arson Alarm Foundation (AAF) are doing something about it.

As part of a new teen awareness pilot, the council and AAF have taken their arson-prevention message into Yakima school hallways.  Dramatic posters on display in Wilson Middle School and West Valley High School encourage teens to report tips to authorities.

“More than half of all arson fires involve children under 18,” said Darrin Sanger, NW Insurance Council communications director.  “We really felt it was time to deliver our message to teens at their level, in a way they understand and in a manner that encourages them to act.  We believe this poster does that."

Featuring a teary-eyed girl in front of her home that is engulfed by flames, the poster not only reminds teens that arson destroys lives, and they can do something about it.  The poster also highlights Arson Alarm’s $10,000 Award Fund and the Arson Hotline, information Yakima fire officials hope will trigger more tips.  Read More 

Speakers Bureau member Scott Wagner, special agent with the National Insurance Crime Bureau, regularly talks to agents about insurance crimes.  NW Insurance Council is expanding its reach to include seniors and bilingual groups.

Speakers Bureau reaching a variety of audiences

Communicating accurate, timely information to community groups and businesses is an effective way to help Northwest residents better understand the value of insurance and gain a stronger appreciation for their insurance companies.

NW Insurance Council’s Speakers Bureau, a network of insurance professionals that spans Washington and Oregon, is spreading the word at the community level.  We also are laying the groundwork to expand the Speakers Bureau into Idaho this year.

High schools have been the most popular venue for speakers over the years.  Teaching young adults how insurance works and helping them understand the need to protect their finances has been a key emphasis to shaping responsible consumers. 

Now, the Speakers Bureau is reaching out to many new audiences, including hispanic groups, associate members and home school associations.
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